charity shop fashion for the stylish woman

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A new project and more thoughts on this and that!

Hello again

We’re having some lovely weather here on the coast of southern England with blue skies and lots of sun, but there’s a cool sea breeze to keep the temperatures down just a bit – that’s my kind of weather! So it’s been jeans and a t-shirt for me.

That’s the tee tucked in and now for it worn out. It’s from M&S which is now my favourite online retailer.

However, to remind myself how I actually like to look last week I made a short video of some of my outfits including those funky skirts I like to wear, although to be absolutely honest I think I wear these more in my head than in actuality! Still I aim to wear those skirts far more often once we move on from Covid-19. It’s good to see the UK stats inching their way down, but people, I have started writing a post for My Other Blog (which is a first in many months) about the mess we’re in, and all down to…… well, read more about my views when it’s finished in a week or so. It’s slow my recovery but to attempt some more serious writing is a positive I think.

And back to the video. It’s on YouTube and only 2 minutes – do have a look. Actually I was asked to do this for a student who’s studying TV & Radio production and is doing a module where she’s creating a show on Planet Fashion all about reusing clothes and buying from charity shops. I was happy to help and it spurred me on to think of doing other short videos. One of which might be how I put on my eye makeup now I wear glasses. Here’s most of the outfits I put in the video.

You’ll see me twirling around in this skirt.

And there’s this skirt.

I haven’t worn this jacket for months – not since last Autumn. I shall wear it a lot when….

The outfit is good, but I can see that the glasses might hide the bags under my eyes!

Hmm, maybe glasses are best for me??? Interesting. One of the reasons I started the blog was to examine my own ageing. Thank you for all the comments you’ve made about the wearing of glasses.

Moving on. I’ve ordered a bra online from Bravissimo. There’s a branch in Brighton and every year I get measured up for a couple of bras. I need to be measured as I have a really odd measurement (30FF) but with the slight weight gain I’m probably 32FF or even G. Out of 5 bras only one fits now (a black balcony bra that I kept for best) so I’ve ordered one of those in white. As you would expect it will take over 10 days to arrive. Yes, it’s not just the shopping for unnecessary clothes that I miss so much as the normal every day things like a face-to-face bra/boob measurement that I miss. Also dentistry, I long to have just an ordinary hygiene appointment, which I missed in January because I was unwell. I cannot imagine when another appointment will be possible. Also I was on the verge of having a veneer for a very brown front tooth. Next year?

How are your hands? What with all this washing of hands mine were practically on the way to severe dermatitis, but two products have helped enormously: one is Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion which dampened down the dermatitis but didn’t get rid of it, but it was good to use and far better than any hand cream. The link is for Boots, the Chemist but so far I’ve managed to get it at a slightly cheaper price from my supermarket order. However, the products that have really helped my dermatitis is from Nursem, which has supplied me with a soap substitute and a hand cream. They’ve worked for me and rescued me from a really nasty skin disorder. Have you heard of Nursem, because how Nursem began is a really lovely story? The products have been developed by an NHS midwife who could barely do her job with her skin condition. She took 7 years to develop her creams and soap and for every product you buy she supplies a month’s supply free to a nurse or midwife – hats off! The products are pricey but gosh I’m so glad I bought them – they work!

Still watching State of Happiness (BBC iPlayer) which is excellent and Killing Eve (also BBC iPlayer) which is bonkers and just started The Morning Show (Apple tv). We seem to be reducing the number of films we watch to one a week. Last Saturday’s film was JoJo Rabbit (Amazon Prime). Well, what can I say! It’s entertaining and beautifully acted, but you have to get over the fact that a small boy has Adolf Hitler as an imaginary friend. I kind of liked it but felt I shouldn’t. On the other hand it’s highly original. I’d say take a risk and watch. Looking forward to watching 1917 and Emma.

I’ve just finished reading Anne Tyler’s The Beginner’s Goodbye, which was OK, but not quite as good as Clock Dance, I shall continue to read her though. Have just bought (for my kindle) A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles and looking forward to reading it.

A Gentleman in Moscow is a wonderful book, I hope you enjoy it.
My favourite outfit on you is the yellow one, it really suits you. Hope the warm weather there will last, good for morale and Vitamin D top up !
We’ve just come out of our first heatwave in Greece ( in May !! A first and rather worrying ).
To be honest it was just plain exhausting. Now it’s a lovely dull, cool day and rain is promised. I can’t wait ! I will watch the video.

I love the colour yellow, Maisie, and yes, my balcony is west facing so I get sun from about midday onwards. But it’s not really big enough to sit on – it’s either plants or sit and I’ve chosen plants! However, for my Vitamin D hit I get out onto the balcony and on the regulation walk along the seafront, if I can, I sit on a bench and turn my face to the sun.

Penny, you’ve inspired me to sort my wardrobe out. I hate throwing things away and I have dresses, mainly long that are 40 years old. I still have a Harris Tweed jacket that my husband had made for him when he was 17. He’s now 72.!
Love your video. You should take up modelling. Must get on with my wardrobe sort when it’s cooler.
Ellie. X

Oh wow, you’ve got a vintage tweed jacket – obviously a keeper! Looking through the wardrobe is always a good idea but don’t be like me and chuck out too much. I slightly regret my severe one-in-one-out policy! Take care 🙂

I endorse the comment about A Gentleman in Moscow. It was a book group read for me and at first I struggled a bit, there is lots and lots of detail, but I’m glad I persevered. Similar with The Luminaries which is coming to television soon.
The photo of you in yellow is lovely. I’m missing just going into town to look around and have a coffee on my own as well as meeting family and friends. I’m not getting enough time completely alone at the moment although we are lucky enough to have plenty of space for both of us. Another lovely day today – I’m not sure how I’d cope if this had been happening in grey winter. Having door and windows open makes you feel less confined.
I find that I now have a routine which I rail against to some extent because I’d prefer to be more spontaneous. I suppose it gives some shape to the week. Every weekday I watch Tricia Cousden’s TeaTime video but get a bit frustrated as not doing Facebook I can’t give my response. I thought recently that I seem to have an urge to put people right if I think I know better which must be very annoying for them. I’m trying to resist the temptation!
Still shopping on e-bay but feel a bit guilty about all the plastic bags, especially as I’ve gone over to a shampoo bar (Holland and Barratt Ethique) & trying out deodorants that are not in plastic containers. Got a new bra & tights from M&S but not buying anything else new.
I will pass on the Nursem link to my daughter who has such a bad problem on one hand that some of her fingers have very little movement. She has adapted to it as has not found any medical treatment very effective. It seems that once your skin breaks down it is very difficult to repair it. Her problem was probably caused by a nickle allergy when she worked in retail.
I’ve been reading some books set in legal chambers by Caro Fraser – I saw her suggested to someone who loved Rumpole. She is not quite in John Mortimer’s league but writes very well and I’m enjoying them (The first one is The Pupil). I get a lot of secondhand book online now I can’t go the the library when I want something specific. Also recommend the British Libraries reprints of murder mysteries from the 1930’s. At the last NT house I went to they were selling books wrapped in brown paper with just a short synopsis handwritten on them. I bought one and was surprised & pleased to find that it was one of these. If you have not read Sarah Moss she is a wonderful writer.
As for TV, we’ve been watching Meditation from a Monastery which are very soothing because of the silence & the lovely settings. Don’t get why they do it, however, not surprising as I’m an atheist!

The Nursem soap and hand cream has been a life-saver for me as my skin was just about to break down. Ordinary hand creams that I’d used for years were of no use whatsoever. The experience of buying from M&S has been really good.

I like our routine and am OK and fine with the lockdown until I think, oh, I’d just love to pop in to my daughter and give my grandson a hug. And I’d really like to give more support to my son and his partner, who is pregnant. I shall be so sad if I can’t hold the baby due in October. Thanks for all the tips about books – I get slightly anxious when I haven’t got one waiting for me. Take care 🙂

I do love those skirts and that outfit with the mustard scarf and blouse! I have been revisiting some clothes in my closet lately and enjoying some hidden gems. The weather has been far more cooler than usual some we are taking advantage of it. We will visit an uncle at his lake house today, the first time away from the house since the end of January!http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

I never really managed the more grungy, biker chic look that I aspired to but I did know how to dress for a trip to London!!! I wonder if I’ll ever manage to get up there again. However, apart from the dark thoughts in the middle of the night (!) I’m staying positive about both my health and a vaccine coming soon.

Lockdown, btw, in Brighton seems to be over with far more traffic and very crowded beaches. It’s grey at the moment and cooler but I think it’ll hot up over the weekend. You stay safe too 🙂

Hello Penny,
Thanks for generous sharing of your colorful personal style.
For my daily afternoon outing, I still dress up in glad rags as if Handsome and I are going somewhere really exciting. Following sidewalks and park paths with no particular place to go always delights.
Did I take for granted running in and out of thrift and fabric shops before the shut down? I sure did. Making friends with old stash bags has happened!
Thanks to everyone’s film and book recommendations. You rock! @fancified.ca

Thank you so much Judy, and I can just see you looking amazing on your walks. I got rid of rather too much when we moved including material. I trust you have lots stashed away and are still making your glorious hats.

Thank you so much Claire, I do miss just popping into a charity shop. Can’t wait for them open although I have said I won’t do anything like shopping until I’m vaccinated, so it’ll be next year. Trying to be patient!!!

Lovely outfits – the yellow top and scarf are fab on you! I need to go to the opticians; my second pair of glasses broke and I know my eyesight has deteriorated. It’s my first appointment to make as soon they are open for appointments.

I use hand cream all the time and my hands haven’t suffered too much from the excessive hand washing. I like the sound of Nursem, though.

I seriously always say that the best part about wearing glasses is they camouflage the bags under my eyes…LOL !!
That yellow looks so nice on you Penny.
And as for the dentist…it surprises me that they haven’t been essential. Our health is SO related to our mouth health…we are all connected. And just so you know, we (at least in the US, and I’m sure it’s the same everywhere) had to practice sterility in dentistry. So you shouldn’t be worried about that (I know some of my friends were.)
XOOX
Jodiehttp://www.jtouchofstyle.com

I shall try out the contacts at some point but I have been pleasantly surprised at how people have reacted to the glasses.

Yes, dentists. I believe in the UK they are only taking emergency appointments and the advice to dentists is not to do any procedures with the fast speed water (you know what I mean!) because of droplets from clients. So I believe all they’re doing is either extractions and/or giving antibiotics to keep abcesses away. Yikes I know we have a reputation here in the UK for not having good teeth and yes, I’d say we don’t have so much of the major cosmetic dentistry that I think you have in the States. But actually we are not that far away from nearly everyone being able to afford dentistry, so it is what it is. However, this Covid situation will lead to an awful lot of people with bad teeth and gum disease from not having hygiene appointments – which is awful. Hmm, another consequence of the pandemic. You take care Jodie and thanks for your comment xxx

Hi Penny! I really enjoyed and admired the video. I love my glasses, as someone else commented, they are brilliant for covering bags, dark shadows and wrinkles!! I have two pairs with very different frames and I would like to extend my range of glasses but the lenses are so expensive.
I usually see my hygienist every 3/4 months. I have an inherited problem with plaque, unfortunately. Not only that but I have a temporary bridge, right at the front of my mouth, which was due to be replaced the week we went in to lockdown. I just console myself by thinking of all the people who have far more serious issues than this.
Love you in the yellow btw! x

I enjoyed your video and the peek into your home. so cheerful! I really liked A Gentleman in Moscow. the author was present at a book event a couple of years ago and i was able to get a signed copy as a gift for my son in law who also enjoyed it. just completed Anne Tyler’s latest book, Redhead on the side of the Road. I liked it very much, I like all her books. my only complaint might be that it was short and i finished it in a day. before that I had read a book translated from the German, called in fact The German House. set in Hamburg in the early 60’s part about war crimes trials and part family drama, it did take a while to get into but was actually quite engaging. not a beach read however. It has been quite lovely weather wise here in the New York area. I keep taking my walks around the park, kind of like a human hamster wheel. hope you get to wear those marvelous skirts to actual events in the near future. Darby

How wonderful to have met the author of A Gentleman in Moscow, Darby. I’m finding the book to be very good indeed. Anne Tyler is also an excellent writer who I’ve found rather late in my life. I aim to read all her books.

It’s lovely weather here too, warm but not too hot. Yes, we are rather walking in the same area again and again, but the sea is such a joy, I never tire of it. Keep safe 🙂

Hi Penny, must check out Nursem thank you, I usually use Neutrogena unscented hand cream as I can get a bit of eczema on my hands – surprisingly it hasn’t been too bad apart from a couple of tiny patches in between the fingers….. I know I need to dry my hands thoroughly !
I was inspired by your last post to order two tops from M&S, I hope they fit as I do seem to be between sizes at the moment….there is nothing like trying on clothes ! I had a slight pang of guilt as I really need a wardrobe sort out and wondered if I needed new tops, but at least I can help stock my local charity shops when they re -open with the surplus to requirements ( and stock up on my book supply at the same time !!!)
I love your hat …… apart from a battered old straw sun hat for the garden or a beanie for a cold winter walk I don’t actually posses a smart hat – this needs addressing at some point !!!! Take care xx

Nursem products are very good indeed and have saved my hands from I don’t know what – they were in a bad state.

I think berets suit absolutely everyone including those who say hats don’t suit them! In the summer a nice straw hat is always a winner. I hope the M&S tops fit – I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the fit and quality. You take care too 🙂

So good that the numbers for “IT” are on the way down, what a relief. I have been following your blog for quite a while, and often seeing that something sets you apart from others in the way that you dress, but not being sure exactly what it is – well, obviously the charity shoppong, but I now realise that it’s also the boots that you wear. Especially with your skirts. So different, so nice xxx

About Me

My name is Penny, I am 74 years old and I live in Brighton, East Sussex. My reasons for writing a fashion blog is that I have built up a great wardrobe on very little money mainly because I buy from charity shops.

So my blog will feature the clothes I have found since I retired, and the clothes that I continue to find in my local charity shops. From time to time I will also comment on issues around women and ageing.

Penny,
the Frugalfashionshopper

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